Disney Deals???

[allisonswonderland]

I am getting married Nov 06 and my maid of honor just informed me that she is not sure that she will be able to afford the trip she said that she keeps checking travel sites (expedia etc) looking for good deals. Since the wedding is there we get a group rate for designated hotels. My question do you have better luck with booking directly thru disney or do any of you have any tricks? I would not see how she could beat one of the deals that Disney offers/group rates, but I do not know. We have a friend who works there so we usually get a discount on rooms.

 

[Got Quattro?]

#1 it's nov 2006. Tell her to grow a spine and save the money.
#2 who knows what "deals" will be there in a year.
#3 get a new maid of honor....problem solved.

 

[allisonswonderland]

Ok that was a little harsh don't you think? She has been my best friend for over 20 years. I do think she could save a little at a time and have enough by the end of the year, though

 

[deide71]

I agree, the OP was a bit harsh.

Unfortunately it is a bit early to tell what type of deal you are going to get in Nov. of 06.

I would try to best guess airfare, hotel, etc. and try to come up with a savings plan to realize that goal.

Since you have a year to save break it up into weekly or monthly savings and it will seem a bit easier .

 

[tone.def]

Ignore Got Quattro - I'm guessing it's a male and has never been a Maid of Honour!

I've been a Maid of Honour now 3 times and a bridesmaid 2 other times. It IS hard to save the money for a trip and here's why:

1.) Must spend money to buy dress (UNLESS Bride is buying this)
2.) Must spend money to buy shoes (UNLESS Bride buys these as well)
3.) Money spent to get hair and make-up done on day of wedding (this has often been paid for by Bride's parents, but not always)
4.) Money spent on throwing friend Bridal shower (She is the Maid of Honour after all...)
5.) Bridal shower gift
6.) Wedding gift (call her appearance a present.)
7.) 2 words: Bachlorette Party.
...and there are always, ALWAYS misc. expenses that come up along the way...

You have to appreciate that it's not economical to be in a wedding! You asked her to be your Maid of Honour and your wedding is in Disney, so she will have to travel to be a part of your big day, I say you should kick in a little bit for her if she's going to come up short.

In regards to finding deals, you are a bit early for any codes or specials, you probably won't see those until end of August/September. Expedia can often offer a package deal with airfare, but unfortunately, Expedia isn't like a regular TA who can answer questions for you and make dining arrangements for you either... You get what you pay for.

Personally, I book with a TA and they hunt for the specials and codes on your behalf. A lot of people here on the DIS do it themselves, but I'm way to busy with work to even bother - I don't have time to sit on hold on the phone or even to repeatedly call, so someone else can do it for me and they make money and everyone's happy.

Good luck!

 

[kmkja1]

Ignore Got Quattro - I'm guessing it's a male and has never been a Maid of Honour!

I agree with the ignore Quattro comment, that is a typical statement from him. Please tell us why you assume that a male cannot sympathize with this person's situation.

 

[MandaPerry]

Have to agree with the get a TA advice, but I would take that one step farther and get one that is very Disney savey. Then tell the TA what you are looking for and that you want them to aggressively keep ontop of best rates for you and your party. I used Dream Come True Vacation and dealt with Joe Rube for our October 2005 trip and couldn't have been more pleased with the rate I had, all my dining reservations were made, requests filled and Joe responded to any questions I had in a very timley fashion. A lot of posters on this board have been very happy with Dreams Unlimited so you could try them. Good LucK and I wish you a Magical Wedding.

 

[Got Quattro?]

I agree with the ignore Quattro comment, that is a typical statement from him. Please tell us why you assume that a male cannot sympathize with this person's situation.

Just keeping it real.

Sorry but too many people on this boared ignore the cold hard facts, and fail to state the obvious.

 

[HarryLeg]

We have a friend who works there so we usually get a discount on rooms.

My cousin worked for Disney and got me a 50% discount on my room in 2004. That's better than AP or any other discount Disney normally offers. Are you or can you take advantage of the castmember discount?

 

[allisonswonderland]

I was planning to help pay for her dress and she is not giving me a bridal shower, my cousin who is also a bridesmaid and much closer is giving that. I think that her boyfriend wants to come, which I thought that he would maybe split the expenses, but I am not sure that is what he expects (at least split the room).

 

[tone.def]

I agree with the ignore Quattro comment, that is a typical statement from him. Please tell us why you assume that a male cannot sympathize with this person's situation.

It was totally the way HE phrased it... I'm sure some males can relate... Just not this one.

 

[kmkja1]

Just keeping it real.

Sorry but too many people on this boared ignore the cold hard facts, and fail to state the obvious.

Very true.